Machine for folding noodles.



A. WILD.

MACHINE FOR FOLDING NOODLBS.

APPLICATION HLBD 1193.15, 1913 1, l 08,294., Patented Aug. 25, .1914.

B SHEETS-SHEET l.

THQ.` NURRIS PETERS PHOTULITHO.. WASHINGTON. D, C.

A. WILD.

MACHINE POR FOLDING NOODLES.

APPLICATION FILED APRJS, 1913. 1,108,294. Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

'8 sHEBTs-sHEBT 2.

31am/nto@ U11/77101@ h/Wcl YHE .'mems PEIERS C0.. PHOTO L/THO 4 wAsmNcwN. n, L

A. WILD. MACHINE FOR PLDING NOODLBS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 15, 1913. Patented Aug. 25

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

THE .'LORRIS PETERS Cou PHOIDJJ'I'HOK. u/ ASll/NGTON. D. C

A. WILD.

MACHINE POR FOLDING NDLES.

AXPLIUATION ULEB AML-15, 1913.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Patented Aug. 25, 1914 N Hh- GMW/mesmo THE ,.'wems PEVERS Co.. PHoro-LIYHO.. WASHINGTON. D. c.

A. WILD.

MACHINE FOR FOLDING NOODLS? APPLIGATION FILED Amma, 1913.

1 ,108,294. Patented Aug. 25, 1914 8 SHBBTS-SHBET 5.

n vIHE KURRIS'PETERS C0.. PHOTO-LITHO, WHSHINGTAON. D. C.

mmm/12oz W11 70m M7613 Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

B SHEETS-SHEET 6 A. WILD.

MACHINE FOR FOLDING NODLBS.

` APPLICATION FILED APhl, 1913.

YHE .JuRR/S PETARS C0 PHUTO A. WILD.

MACHINE FOR FOLDING NOODLES.

APPLICATION FILED APR.15, 1913.

1,108,294. Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

8 SHEETS--SHBET '1.

al 77- 77 y! fw. I

P Y( Q Z /V J (La THE n nRRls PETERS C0.. PHcz-LATHO., WASHINGTON. Dv c:4

Patented Aug. 25, 1914,

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

A. WLD.

MAomNB PoR FOLDING NooDLBs.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 15, 1913.

THE Nome/S Peu-H5 coPHo1o-A./TH0. WASHINGTON. u, c.

'UNTTim sTATns PATENT oiFioE.

ANTON WILD, or SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, AssIGNon To WERNER & PFLEIDEREB; eo., oli' SAGINAW, MIQHIGAN, A FIRM.

"MACHINE roaroLnINe NoonLEs.

in Saginaw` in the county of `Saginaw and` State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful"Improvements in Machines for Folding Noodles, of which the following is a specification. y i

i cutting mechanism but novel folding mech-` Thisii ventionrelates to machines of the `:ind employed for folding stripsor ribbons of" dough into loaves or bunches, and particularly tothat class of such machines as are adapted to fold noodles. ln such machines it `is usual to wind a sheet of dough on a horizontal shaft or arbor fromwhich it is `led between `feed-rolls which advance the sheet and reduce it to the desired thick-l ness and which deliver the sheet thus pre-` pared to cutters which divide it intostrips or ribbons which latter are subsequently cut inte proper lengths to form noodles.

Jaccording to my invention l produce strips of dough or noodlesin `the way just described and I then fold them in a novel way by novel mechanism which receives the noodles from the cutters, folds them, and delivers them in a folded conditionto a carrier which conveys them away `from the folding meehanisn IFhe machine embodying my improvev ments inifolves no substantiel change in the anisin is adapted to receive the noodles after they are severed into proper lengths, cause them to assume diagonal positions relatively tothe line of movement of the folder and .their fold them by first turning the end portions over upon theinicldle portions of the needles and then folding along the mid dle lineof the noodles toproduce completely folded noodles having four thicknesses of dough. p llfhe folding mechanism comprises a series of sets of folding tables connected with sprocket chains which are operated to carry the tables successively beneath the cutting mechanism. Fach eet in the preferred form of machine comprises four tables, the coinbined length of which equals approximately the length of the noodles. The noodles are delivered to a set of tables sotliat their opposite ends register approximately with the outer edges of the two end tables and `then as the tablesare moved forward they are shifted laterally to cause the noodles to be speiiiauon of Letters Patent. y Patnfed Aug, 25; Application filed `April 15, 1913; Serial No. 761,242.

arranged diagonally and then two ofthe tables are turned automatically in such man ner as to` turn the two end portionsof the noodles over upon the middle portion thereof and as the tables further advance another one of the tables is operated to turn one of the folded or doubled portions of the noodles over upoirthe other foldedor doubledportion@` This completes the `folding operation andas the tables advance the folded noodles are delivered to an endless carrier Vwhich conveys them away. The tables are automatically returned to normal position before receiving more noodles from the cutters.

My improvements are illustrated iii the` accompanying"drawings, in which,

Figure l `shows a side elevation of a noodle cutting and "folding machine with my imiirovements applied. "Fig: 2 shows a` vertical section of the upper part of the machine where the cutters are located. F ig.`

il shows a horizontalsection approximately on the line 3.-@3 ofFig.4 l` but with thetables removed. rl"he remaining `figures of the drawings are on an enlarged scale. Fig. i `shows a vertical section on the line flr-el of Fig. 5. Figo is a detail view showing particularly the gearing connecting oneof the linife shafts with a shaft' of the endless Con-` 1y veyer chains for the tables. Fig. 6 is a `de-` tail view in longitudinal section showing the tables'and their supporting and operating inechanism.` Fig. 7 shows a transversesection of the saine mechanism. Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the tables with their oper# ating mechanism in section and some parts shown by dotted lines. Figs. `9 to lin-` elusive show details ofthe four tableslof a set with some of `their associated "iartsw` Figs 9 and l0 show the table of a set which` is operated to make the first fold at the front ends of the noodles. Fig. l1 shows a section on the line lle-1l of Fig.10. Fig. l2 shows a section on the line `12---12 of Fig. 1 0. Fig; 13 shows a secondtable of the set and soineof its associated parts. This table is not `turned but supports and delivers the completely folded noodle. Fig.

.ist shows parts of the third table in the set and seme of the associated parts, which table is operatedto make the final fold in the noodle. Fig. 15 shows portions of the fourth table in the `set and some of its associated parts, this table being operated si-` multaneously with the first table to give the first fold at the rear ends of the noodles. Fig. 16 is a detail view partly in'plan and partly in section showing how the tables are connected with the conveyer chains and how the tables are connected with each other. Figs. 17 to 20 inclusive illustrate diagrammatically how the mechanism is operated step by step to fold the noodles. Fig. 17 shows the four tables in a horizontal position and supporting a series of noodles on them.' Fig. 18 shows how the first and fourth table are operated to make the first folds at the opposite ends of the noodles. Fig. 19 shows how the first and fourth tables are returned to their horizontal position and the third table is operated to give the second fold tothe noodles and deposit them on the second `table which conveys them to thecarrier that delivers them to their destination. Fig. 20 shows the condition of the tables after the third table. in the series has been returned to its normal horizontal position. Fig. 21 shows how the sheet of dough after having been divided into ribbons and cut-to proper length are deposited in a parallel condition on a set of four tables. Fig. 22 shows how the tables are shifted laterally in opposite directions to cause the'noodles to assume a position diagonal to the line of movement of the conveyer chains. Fig. 23 shows how the noodles after having been arranged diagonally are folded at opposite ends. Fig. 24 shows how one of the folded ends of theseries of noodles is folded over upon the other folded portion thereof. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing a portion of a completely folded noodle.

A sheet ofy dough A is wound upon an arbor a and led through rollers B which press it to the desired thickness and advancefit to rotary cutters C which cut the dough sheet into strips or ribbons of suitable width. The dough strips descend across theedge of a guide board D which is adjustable tov vary the position Ofits lower front edge CZ. This adjustment may be obtained in various ways. It willbe observed, however, that in the construction shown the guide board is pivotally connected with the frame of the machine at cl and it is jointed at Z2 to an varm D which extends through a horizontally arranged shaft cl3. By means Aof adjusting nuts (Z4 the length of this arm may be varied to thus vary the position of the edge CZ.

E indicates a rotating knife which is operated to sever the strips or ribbons of 'dough into suitable lengths.

The mechanism above described is for the most part of well known construction.

The frame F of the machine may be of any suitable construction for supporting the cuttin'g mechanism and it is provided with an ting mechanism may be operated in any suitable way,parts of the gearing areindicated, and as shown the spur-wheel b on the shaft vof the lower feed roller B meshes with a spur-wheel e on the shaft of the -rotary cutter E. A pinion c on the same shaft meshes with a spur-wheel g on a shaft Gr which operates the endless chains which convey theV tables toward andfrom the noodle-cutting mechanism. The pinion e may be connected with the shaft E Vof the rotary cutter E by means of clutch mechanism E2 of any suitable construction. Preferably the sJurwheel g is mounted on the hub 7L of a dish H which is connected with the shaft G by a groove and feather connection 7L and seid disk is connected with the spur-wheel g by bolts h2 in order that by adjusting the position of the spur-wheel g relatively to the disk H, the positions of the tables relatively `to the cutters may be properly adjusted so that the tables will receive the cut noodles at the proper time and in proper positions. The

shaft G is mounted in suitable stationary bearings at the inner end of the extension F of the main frame. At the outer end of this part of theframe there is a shaft I mounted in adjustable bearings l of well known construction. The shafts G and i carry sprocketwheels J that support and operate the sprocket-chains J. The construction as thus far described-is such that as the cutters and presser rolls are operated, in the manner before described, the sprocket chains J are moved to convey the folding 'tables first awaj,7

from the cutting mechanism and then back to such mechanism in the manner hereinafter described. y

Between the opposite sides of the extension F and betweenv the shafts G and I is located a plate L which is attached to the opposite side plates ofthe part F of the frame in any suitable way and it is provided with' means, hereinafter described, which operate upon the tables, hereinbefore referred to, to shift them sidewise to give to the noodles a diagonal arrangement on the tables. ,This plate L also carries devices for operating on other devices which turn some of the tablesV to give certain folds to the noodles while the devices for operating other tables for a similar purpose are carried by other parts of the frame.

The chains J,hereinbefore referred to, and as shown in Fig. 7, are supported by strips M attached to the frame F which prevent them from sagging and similar strips M may be secured to the frame above those portions of the chains located above the plate L. The vchains, carry at regular distances will be presently "described in detail.` `As before stated, the tables are divided intosets, there preferably vbeing four ,tables` `in eachset, although this number may be varied, but I will here assume that eachzset comprises four tables, that the iirst, third and fourth table in each set are mounted tot turn pin such manner, as to fold the noodles, while `the second "table in the set is not so turned but supports the completely folded noodle and delivers it to the .endless carriers. `Each tableinfeach-'set is, however, provided with means for shiftingitsidewise and this means preferably comprises on each tablea bar Nwhich supports the table and which extendsthrough-guides n riveted or other- `wise secured tothe table. Each table also has riveted to it a bracket/n'` carrying a roller a2 and the bar N i extends `through the brackets a, n loosely so that the table can be moved iendwise on the bar without moving thebar laterally. x `By reference to `Fig. `8 it will be observed that the rollers n2 are disposed diagonally, the rollers on the tables numbers l and 21 being on oneside of the i "central line betweenthe chains J and the fic tion with their` endsin line with each other,

lugs P', P2, P3 and are provided on the rollers `of the tables 8 and al; on

the opposite side thereof. `These rollers cooperate with the lugs O', Of, O3 and O4. These lugs z 1e iormcdintegrally with the plate L, or otherwise` connected therewithand are so disposed as toV cause the tables land 2 to be shifted towardpcneside ofthe mechanism and the table 3 and l to be shifted or moved slightly infan `oppositedirection when the tables are above the plate L. In order to move the tables back to their original posi under side of the` plate L. By this mechanism as the chains J are revolved they carry with them ,tlieptables, shift the tables in opposite directions sidewise and thenreturn them to their original position. This operation is shown diagrammatically in F 2l to2/l. In Fig. 2l the tables have their' ends in line with each other and the noodles X are parallel. Fig. 22 shows how the tables are shifted, numbers l and 2 being shifted slightlyin one `direction and tables 3 and 4 being shiftedin the opposite directiomNo. l being inoved` to a somewhat greater extent than number 2, and number l `being :moved somewhat more than number 3. rlhis will give `the desired diagonal arrangement oi' thenoodles before they `are lolded. Fig. 23 shows how the noodles are folded after they are inclined and Fig. 2i shows the final operation of folding.

The bars N of tablesl, 2, 3 andfl of each set are connected together'by links R', R2, R3, Rt andthe bars N of tables l, 3 and 4 links and levers` for operating` of each set are provided with operating le R13 or R* at each end and each link `is formed with a recess r', r2, ri; or r4 to receive a bar N. The bar N of table No.1 has secured to it at each end an operating lever S". `The bars N of the tables` 3 `and 4l carrylcorreoondinfr o :ieratinr levers S3` Stand" these 5 b 3 hars, links and levers are assembled in the manner shown in Fig. 8. The links R', R, are formed with bosses r1?, w33, r and through these bossesextend certain arms j of the chains J and on these bosses are pivu oted the levers S', S3, St. Said lovers are held in their normal positions and are returned. to their normal positions by coiled springs T', T3, TA1 contained Within the bosses r11, r, rl'lengaging the levers and held in the manner shown in Figs. `8 and 16. The arrangement is such that the tables maybe shifted sidewise in the manner before described without moving thelinks and levers and in such manner that the tables :1,

`3 `and ll may be independently turned to fold the noodles while the series of sets of tables with their operating links and.le\'2'ers are being carried to and from the noodle- `that on each side oi the machine the link R' of table No. l has its boss rllinounted on an arm ofthe chain J, the opposite end of the linkbeingmounted to turn on a sleeve t on the next armi y' in advance of the arm first mentioned. The link TL* of table No. 2 has` itsy front portionarranged to surround the boss ru of table No. 1being in fact mounted to turn on a hub s formed on the operating lever` S' which surrounds the boss ru. ,'lhe rear portionoi link R2 surrounds and turns `on a hub s? on lever S. Link R3 which` carries leverShas its boss r3? sur rounding an arm y' and its rear portion surrounds a boss s on the lever S". Link R* has the boss r arrangedat its frontend and surrounding an arm 1 j oi the chain, while its rear portion surrounds a sleeve t* carried by another arm j oi. the chain.` The links and levers are assembled in this way throughout the series of sets oil tables and the arrangement is such that the tables .may be carried by the chains successively under the noodle-cutting mechanism, first away i'rom suchmechanism and then back to it.`

Inorder to attach the opposite ends of the several setsoi!` links I may join them in the loo manner shown in Figs. 6 and 16 where, it will be observed that `the links R2 are divided and bolted to the bar N of table No. 2. rIhe levers S are adapted to swing upwardly and rearwardly while the levers S3,

S* are adapted to swing upwardly and forwardly, the levers S being turned by lugs U on the sides of the frame F and the levers S3 and S* being engaged by arms U3, U* secured to the plate L, the arrangement being such that as the tables are advanced, the levers are engaged by said lugs and arms to turn the tables at the proper time. In order to break the shock when the levers encounter the lugs U and the arms U3 and U2 said levers may be provided with cushioning spring u', M3, at. The arrangement is such that the levers S and S4 of each set are first engaged by the lugs U and arms U4 and the tables 1 and 4 are turned in the manner indicated in Figs. 6 and 1S.. As the tables advance the tables Nos. 1 and l are returned to their normal position by the springs T', T4 and then the levers S3 engage the arms U3 and table No. 3 is turned in the manner indicated in Fig. 19, and this table is returned to its normal horizontal position as the tables advance.

It will be understood that the four tables in each set receive a series of parallel noodles from the cutters and that the noodles lie close together in a horizontal condition as shown in Fig. 17. After the tables have advanced slightly they are shifted in opposite directions, as indicated in Fig. 22, so that the noodles assume a position diagonal to the direction of movement of the carrier chains. Then the levers S and S4 encounter the lugs U and arms Ut the tables 1 and Llare turned to the vposition shown in Fig. 18 to give the first folds to the noodle, then as the tables move farther on away from the cutting mechanism, the tables 1 and 4 are returned to their horizontal positions by the springsT, T* and table No. 3

is operated by arm Us as indicated in Fig. 19. Immediately after this lever S3 passes arm U3 and table No 3 is returned to its normal horizontal position, leaving the folded noodles on table No. 2 which carries them to the end of the frame F and delivers them to the carrier belt IV which is of ordinary construction and may be operated in any suitable way.

It will be understood that there are lugs U and arms U3, U4 on opposite sides of the machine, as indicated in Fig. 3, in order that the tables maybe operated from both ends. It will be also understood that some of the parts which are shown to be formed integrally with other parts may be separately formed and adjusted where necessary.

The operations are entirely automatic, power being taken from any suitable power shaft and the several parts of the mecha- Vnism geared together to work in harmony.

The lower ends of the. noodles depending from the feeding and cuttingy mechanism areY first received by table No. 1 and then as the noodles descend their following portions are successively received by tables 2, 3, and 4 of a set. This set after assuming a horizontaly position and arriving at the proper position in the machine are voperated .in the manner before described to perform the folding operations and then another set' of fourtables receives noodles and foldsthem in a similar manner. Any desired number of sets of tables may bel included inthe folding mechanism which may be indefinitely prolonged, and while Ihave lshown each set of tables as comprising four tables, one of whichis sta-1 tionary and ther others movable relatively to the carrier belt, the number may `be varied.y

I claim as myinvention:

1. A machine for` making folded noodles, comprising mechanism for cutting a sheet of dough into strips, andfolding mechanism consisting of an endless series of sets oftables `which receive the noodles from the cutting mechanism, each set of tables being provided with devices for operating the tables to fold the noodles over upon them-l selves and means for shifting the tablesfrof each set in opposite directions.

2. A machine for making folded noodles, comprising mechanismy for cutting a sheet of dough into strips, and folding mechanism consisting of a set of tables vwhich receive the noodles from the cutting mechanism, mechanism for movingV the tables toward and away from the cutting mechanism, devices for operating the tables to fold the. noodles over upon themselves while they are being carried away from the cutting mech` anism and means for "shifting the tables transversely to different extents.

3. A machine for making folded noodles, comprising mechanism for cutting a sheet of dough into strips and folding mechanism comprising a set of horizontally arranged folding tables which receive. the strips `of dough from the cutting mechanism, mechanism for moving the tables `successively away from the cutting ,mechanisnn means for operating the two end tables in the set to give the first fold to the noodles, means for operating another table in the set to give the final fold to the noodles, and mechanism for shifting the tables laterally before the noodles are folded.

11. Thev combination with noodle-cutting mechanism, of a horizontally arranged set of folding tables, mechanism for moving them successively past the cutting mechanism, means for shifting the tables laterally to cause the noodles to assume a position diagonal to the line of movement of the tables, and devices for operating the tables to fold incase/i thenoodles over upon themselves as they `move aivay from the cutting mechanism.

. been shifted.`

6. lloodle-folding` mechanism comprising a series of sets of four tables, one of 'which tables in each set maintains a horizontal position duringthe folding1 operation, mechanism for operating the first and fourth tables of the set to give the first foldsto the noodles and means for operating` the third table of the set to give the final foldto the noodles.

7. Noodle-folding `mechanism comprisingr a supporting` frame, sprocket chains supported therein, folding tables supported and carried hy the sprocket chains, devices on the frame for shiftingi `the tables laterally as they are advanced by the sprocket chains and `devices connected with the tables and engaged by said devices on the frame for ed'ecting such lateral movement.

8. Noodle-folding mechanism, comprising,l a seriesI of four tables, one of which maintains a horizontal position durinygthe folding operation, mechanism for operating the zlirst and fourth tables of the set to give the first folds to the noodles, and means for operating the third table of the set to give the final fold to the noodle While supported by the second table in the series.

`9. ln a noodle-folding machine, the combination With a supporting frame, noodle- .cutting mechanism, a horizontally arranged set of folding tables, mechanism for movingl the tables successively to and from the cutting," mechanism, devices for operating the tables to fold the noodles over upon themselves as they move from the cutting mecha nism, rollers on the tables, and inclined lugs on the frame of the machine engaging said i rollers to shift the tables laterally.

l0. lloodle-foldino mechanism comprising a frame, noodle-folding tables supported by the frame, cross-bars which support the tables and with which they have a sliding connection, means for advancing the tables, means foroperating'; the cross-hars to turn the tables and thus fold the noodles, and devices for shifting the tables laterally on the cross-hars `Without moving the cross bars endwise. y

ll. Noodle-folding mechanism comprising a frame, sprocket chains supported thereby, noodle-folding tables, crosshars on which they are supported, links connected 'with the 60 crossbars and pivotally connected with the sprocket chains,ineans for moving; the tables laterally on their supporting bars, levers connec'tedivith said bars and means for op` erating said levers to turn some of the cross bars and tables as they advance.

12. hloodlefolding mechanism comprising asupporting frame, sprocket chains mounted therein, means for operating said chains, noodle-foldingtahles, cross-hars on which they are mounted, means for moving the tables transversely on the cross-bars, links pivoinlly` connected with the sprocket chains and the cross bars, levers pivotally connected Withithc sprocket chains and attached to some of the cross-bars, and means carried by the frame and engaging said levers to turn some of the tables during the folding opera-- tion. i

13. A. noodle folding table in combination with a cross-bar on which it is mounted to slide laterally, means for moving the table transversely on the cross bar an operating lever secured to said cross-bar and means for turningu the cross bar.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

ANTN WILD.

i 0031s# ot this patent: may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of ZEatentl, Wanhington, 3). G. 

